Readings for this section
Required: pp. 53-69, 69-70 of Japan and Korea Regional Studies Series
Required viewings for this section (Temporarily suspended)
Segments 1-3 of The Meiji Revolution of //Pacific Century's Video Series//
Password: bandung

Assignment: Black Ships and Samurai- The Cross-Cultural Guide

For the next three classes we will be examining the clash of cultures between Japan and the USA (primarily). Recall in the clash of cultures between China and Britain (primarily) there was some great misunderstandings between the Chinese (Emperor Qianlong) and the British (Lord Macartney). The result of this misunderstanding was a disaster for the Chinese.
The Japanese, though not receptive to foreigners, knew of the Opium War. They were aware of Asia being taken over by European powers. They had feared that this could possibly happen to them. Do also know that the Japanese culture was significantly different than that of China. It was, for example, a culture that had no problem with borrowing elements of other cultures and refining those things, ideas etc. to suit their own tastes. An example of this can be found in Japan's various sects of Buddhism. Keep in mind also that Japan is a warrior culture. As such, they could see the benefits of technologically advance weaponry.

  • Your Assignment is from MIT's Visualizing Cultures. A complete description of student expectations is provided on the Student Assignment Page: Creating a Guide for Foreigners. Before setting off on any journey (or assignment) read the instructions and plan. So...read that and the Introduction to Black Ships and Samurai
  • Note that your groups are assigned as per the instructions for your block under the appropriate block for your class.
  • Your grade takes into consideration (see the 'Student Assignment' above):
    • Research skills
    • Team work
    • Final product TOTAL x/12 multiplied by 3 = x/36
  • Your first step is to read the above instructions. Assign roles and responsibilities. Google doc this and share it with me.
  • The product that you will create is a Keynote presentation of only a few slides 10 with a minute or less of talking time for each slide.
    • A 1-2 slide introduction to the other culture.
    • A minimum of 10 case studies for understanding the other culture.
    • For each case study, an explanation of the custom. This might be a written paragraph, a set of directions, or a set of warnings on how to avoid a problem when encountering this custom of the other country.
    • A visual to help illustrate each case study on each slide.
  • Due date: TBA - Next week. Slide show must be uploaded to a link to the block's page for this assignment.
  • N. B. BE SURE TO SHARE A GOOGLE DOC WITH ME THAT SHOWS YOUR GROUP'S RESEARCH IS BEING SHARED. See rubric for how this is graded.




Mini-Lesson 1(Optional)

Follow the instructions for this unit. Be sure to read and complete the exercises which follow. These are to be done in class and out of class. Enjoy.
  1. Read Background to the Charter of Oath 1868
  2. Complete DBQ The Charter of Oath 1868 and Questions


Below is an assignment for this section of the unit on Meiji Japan. The first part is meant to be done in class. The second part is your assignment. Be sure to follow the instructions for it.
Due date: TBA